Mike Vorkunov

Staff Writer, NBA and Basketball Business writer

Mike Vorkunov is the national basketball business reporter for The Athletic. He covers the intersection of money and basketball and covers the sport at every level. He previously spent three-plus seasons as the New York Knicks beat writer.

NBA's new TV deal with Disney, NBC, Amazon won't include matching rights: Sources

Under the NBA's current deal, Warner Bros. Discovery can match to try and retain rights to games.

Mike Vorkunov and Andrew Marchand115

WNBA adds DraftKings as second official betting partner, continuing year of growth for league

Mike Vorkunov12

WNBA's media rights deals set league up to receive $2.2 billion over next 11 years: Sources

Mike Vorkunov201

NBA will turn to 'consideration of expansion' after media rights deal complete, Adam Silver says

Mike Vorkunov and Alex Andrejev244

Judge denies Jontay Porter’s request for permission to play pro basketball in Greece

Mike Vorkunov130

Jontay Porter pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, likely faces prison sentence

He was released on a $250,000 bond signed by his mother and his wife, and his sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 18.

Mike Vorkunov97

Warriors to acquire Buddy Hield via sign-and-trade with 76ers: Sources

Since 2017, the only player to make more 3-pointers than Hield is his new teammate, Steph Curry.

The Athletic Staff392

Former Raptors center Jontay Porter facing federal charges for role in alleged sports gambling operation

A filing made in federal court Tuesday indicated that he would be the defendant in a case brought by the Department of Justice.

Mike Vorkunov113

What Paul George’s Sixers deal could say about NBA free agency's future

We haven't seen many situations like this in recent years. Will we start to see them more?

Mike Vorkunov104

Celtics majority ownership group intends to sell stake in team

Wyc Grousbeck, the majority owner and governor of the team, is expected to remain team governor through 2028, according to a statement.

The Athletic Staff144

NBA salary cap for 2024-25 set slightly lower than projections

Next season's cap is just 3.36 percent more than 2023-24.

Mike Vorkunov27

Federal judge rules Knicks-Raptors lawsuit should be settled by NBA, Adam Silver

The Knicks sued in August 2023, saying a Raptors employee took proprietary team information with him when he left the Knicks.

Mike Vorkunov43

Bronny James is now a Los Angeles Laker. Here's what lies ahead in his NBA career

James will enter the NBA with a profile that far outstretches his pedigree. Can he live up to the expectations?

Mike Vorkunov96

Bronny James selected by Lakers with No. 55 pick in NBA Draft, joining LeBron

Bronny averaged 4.8 points in 19.3 minutes per game in his lone season at USC.

Mike Vorkunov705

Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama's connection could determine Spurs’ future

Castle became the latest building block for the Spurs when he was selected fourth in the NBA Draft.

Mike Vorkunov18

Rich Paul, Klutch Sports Group sued for $4.9 million over alleged breach of contract

Klutch and Paul will have an opportunity to respond to Termini’s claims in court, and file a response to his complaint.

Mike Vorkunov67

Nikola Topić's competitiveness and maturity could help him in NBA, overcome ACL tear

Topić is widely expected to be not only a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, though he enters the event with a partially torn ACL.

Mike Vorkunov2

2024 NBA Draft trends to watch: Teams, first-round picks, class value

There will be a lot to watch over the next two days, from what some teams of interest will do to new trends to watch for.

Mike Vorkunov33

Is the 2024 NBA Draft really as bad as they say? Plus, evaluating older prospects, draft talent

Sam Vecenie and Mike Vorkunov discuss a few big-picture topics surrounding one of the most unique drafts in years.

Mike Vorkunov and Sam Vecenie60

Canadian police open criminal investigation into Jontay Porter betting scandal

Porter is part of a criminal investigation by the OPP as law enforcement looks into alleged betting impropriety.

Mike Vorkunov23

Billionaire Julia Koch has agreement to buy 15 percent stake in Nets, Liberty's BSE Global

Julia Koch is the widow of late billionaire and major political donor David Koch, and the deal is believed to value BSE at $6 billion.

Mike Vorkunov28

Jaylen Brown could win NBA Finals MVP. He'd make history — but not how you think

The Celtics star has become the highest-profile sneaker free agent in the league.

Mike Vorkunov10

Are new NBA schedule and rules to blame for an uptick in player injuries? Execs weigh in

Some of the NBA's best players were injured during the playoffs. Could the league's regular-season schedule changes be why?

Mike Vorkunov75

Man charged in NBA betting scandal linked to Jontay Porter

The attorney's office said an NBA player was encouraged to exit games early to ensure prop bets on his performance were successful.

Jenna West49

MLB’s betting rules explained: What players (and interpreters) can and can’t do

What are MLB's rules governing betting on sports, and what consequences will players and staff face if they run afoul of them?

Mike Vorkunov86